attachment to everything he was engaged in,
including his very life. It allowed him to choose the
attitude he would take in that very moment he was
being robbed of life. He didn't die angry or even
surprised. He had known his life was in constant
danger. But he had trained himself to march to the
drumbeat of his own growing vision of what
constituted wise action. He had come to a point
where he truly embodied compassion. He lived an
unwavering commitment to both political and spiritual
freedom. His personal well-being was of limited value
in comparison. He was always putting it on the line.
TRY: Being aware of subtle emotional qualities you
may be embodying at various times of the day, as
well as during your sitting practice. Pay particular
attention to your hands. Does their position make a
difference? See if you don't become more mindful by
becoming more "bodyful."
As you practice being more in touch with your hands
in sitting meditation, see if this doesn't have an
influence on the way you touch. Everything from
opening a door to making love involves touch. It is
possible to open a door so mindlessly that your hand
doesn't know what your body is doing and you hit
yourself in the head with it. Imagine the challenge of